COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Sophomore striker Domenic Mediate (Southlake, Texas) propelled No. 2 Maryland (19-4) to the NCAA quarterfinals with his golden goal in the 95th minute against Saint Louis Sunday at Ludwig Field. Maryland's 1-0 win puts the Terps in the round of eight for the first time since 1998, when they went all the way to the national semifinals. The No. 2 seed Terps advance to meet No. 7 seed Connecticut next Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. in College Park, Md.

While the first half shot total favored Maryland only slightly at 4-3, the Terps dominated the second half and the overtime frame statistically, outshooting Saint Louis 19-5 for the game (15-2 in the final 49:42). The Terps had several outstanding chances as time ticked away in the second half, the first in the 69th minute when Mediate's shot was blocked by an outstanding defensive save from Saint Louis' Andy Pusateri.

Maryland had another good chance on a throw-in situation in the 88th minute, hitting Clarence Goodson (Springfield, Va.) in the box for the header, which was saved by SLU keeper Martin Hutton, who had eight saves on the day. The Terps keep the pressure up in the overtime frame, with Mediate hitting the post 2:20 into bonus play.

In the 95th minute, Maryland played the long ball through the Billikan defense. Mediate used his explosive speed to meet the keeper at the front of the eight-yard box and eventually won the ball. The talented sophomore beat Hutton and converted his second golden goal of the year in two overtime games for Maryland. The gamewinner was his fifth.

The Terrapins, Soccer America's No. 1 team in the nation, will host the quarterfinal round of eight on Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at Ludwig Field. No. 2 seed Maryland will battle No. 7 seed Connecticut for the right to go to the College Cup in Dallas, Texas, the weekend of Dec. 13 & 15.